Music-story's audio Reviews on Newgrounds

[Fiji]

Decided to review your latest instead. Here is the review

0:00 to 0:48 I was surprised how loud the piano was at the start. Had to turn down the volume. However, not considered a actual problem to your song. I am liking the reverb you put on the piano. Feels like I am in a big hall. Debate could be said whether this sounds like music. Composition is nice but the buildup took quite a while. 0:33 the new piano didn't really add to the song much to keep it interesting.

0:48 to 2:07 A little bit disappointing with the cheesy generic fuzzy instrument. Perhaps if it sounded more "toyish" rather than a cheap trance song, I would have taken a liking to it. You really need to change that piano pattern as it is getting too repetitive now. 1:04 I am not sure if those were the best drums to use. There still is no change with the other instruments. 1:40 your new instrument sounds a bit off key. However, I like the part at 1:51 where it suddenly becomes quiet just with the piano.

2:07 to end That was a sudden change. Could have been a slower transition perhaps? The rest of the song loops so no need to comment on that. However, adding in the cymbals didn't sound much of a upgrade to me.

So I have not taken a look at your other projects, but I have a feeling you quickly made this song just for the heck of it or your new to making "toy music". I see from the other reviewers that you were able to successfully portray your theme to them. I wish it could have done the same for me, but it is missing a few things. A 3 minute song that plays the same lead pattern is too repetitive. You have a nice sounding piano and could have done so much more with it. Use it in another song but with a variety of beats to do justice for your instrument choice. The accompanying instruments need to be tweaked. I am only assuming here, but I feel that you were thinking generic instruments = more childish/toyish. You can make great toyish music with well produced instruments too. Lastly, I think you rushed the percussion. Slapped on a preset drum loop and the use of one cymbal when you had a full drum kit sample to work with...why?

I hope you don't see this as a negative review but constructive criticism to give you suggestions to get better. 5/5

Rhoder responds:

Instruments... I just had this idea in my head that I really wanted to put down quickly so I did. I also only had one hour in between my classes to do so, and that is when I wrote this piece. You are correct, I used pretty generic instruments.

As for the drum loop. I explained this earlier, I was in a rush. But if I were to make a drum beat it would've been similar to that one.

Thanks for the review man, I'm glad you took the time out of your day to do so.

Fun fact: This was rendered in 92kbit. I dig the lo-fi sound, do you?

[DJ AT!SH - Alien Love]

Interesting song. Here are further details below.

I am a fan of those drums. I'm not picturing an alien type theme but suspense with normal humans. Not enough funky sounds to give that extraterrestrial feeling. Nice job with the fx sounds.

0:29-1:22 I didn't really like the lead instrument that came in. I do like the strings playing in the background though. Unfortunately, you spent too much time at a stalemate. Felt repetitive to me.

1:23 - 1:36 I like this break in the action. The sudden blast into the climax right at 1:36 with the fx is great. Nice job here.

1:37-end. I hardly consider adding high hats as a change to the repetitive pattern. 2:03 instrument didn't feel like a progression. I feel like you started strong, but you ran out of ideas here. The pad instrument sounds poorly made. At 3:54 did you really need to drag it out that long? I will say the fx to end the song is nice.

Overall,I think you should have made this song shorter. I like the theme you were going for despite not sounding alien like, however there needs to be a progression. Your drums were well made and despite not really changing throughout the song, they portrayed emotion...not a easy task to do. As I said before, I feel like once you got a good idea going, it fell flat around the midpoint. You ran out of inspiration there? Kudos on the mixing and mastering of this song. I can hear everything clearly. Keep it up with making emotional songs. 5/5

Bye for now

DjAtish2012 responds:

Hey thx Music-story for the in depth info there, things like this is VERY helpful and richly appreciated. I know what to work on when I'm making a mix. :D

Thx dude.

Dj At!sh

[The Rise]

I have not heard of your other songs so I can't really compare. This is what I thought.

Piano sounds a bit bland to me. The pattern is somewhat happy so that is good cause I like happy themed music. I liked the bass filter to help indicate a approaching climax.

0:22 Unfortunately, you didn't change the composition at all. The new instrument is playing the exact same pattern as the piano. Bass pattern is nothing to be impressed with. Like the previous review, your drums are poor. I would say it isn't the lack of audibility to them because I hear them clearly. Its just you use a bland pattern. Your extra harmonies don't really add to the song at all. Just because you add staccatos to your instrument, that doesn't mean the same pattern is being used.

The long loops so there really isn't much more to talk about. I think you spent too much time listening to your track rather than building upon it because I see this as a 1:22 song...not 3:45. However, everyone has their opinion right?

Here are my suggestions. You want music to be an art right? Well you don't paint the same picture as everyone else does. Create your own unique art. Secondly, spend more time working on your instruments. It can take a few days just to make one instrument. Thirdly, from personal experience I find if you listen to your song too many times when producing it that the momentum to build upon the song hits a stand still. Efficient use of time is wasted just listening what has already been made. Fourthly, mess around with automation. Add in some fx to your instruments. And last but not least, drums are an important part of any dance song. Don't neglect it or rush it by slapping on a preset drum loop and think that's done.

Overall, you will get better overtime. Take more time with your songs. Maybe spend 3 weeks to make one. Best of luck in your future projects. 5/5

Xsalvaz responds:

Wow. Great review!
I couldn't agree more. I started really trying to make songs only about 6 months ago. I do it just for hobby, when I'm bored. It's mostly for my sake, I like the melody, so I made it into a song. But I share because, well, why not? Then I can get great reviews and improve my skills (or lack thereof). Most of my previous songs were done in one night. 4 hours tops. I really am just beginning and need to find a balance and my own style. Awesome review.
Thanks! And the best of luck to you.
~X

[Not Forgotten]

Not bad of a song. Here are my thoughts.

I feel like the drums don't fit with the theme of this song. Pad at the very start of the song sounds quite generic to me. I think you were going for this relaxed mood as the song does not have a climax. Not a bad thing if that was your plan. However, I think the composition sounds a bit random to me. I feel like you hit the record button and played any note that came between your finger and keyboard. Even though you didn't, it just doesn't feel like it goes anywhere. Good perhaps in a video game or a short 1 minute song...not 4 minutes though.

Examples of random parts include the part at 0:44 with that new instrument that lasts literally for 1 second. Other parts are where the fuzzy instrument makes a short appearance. Didn't really mix well with the flute. Cymbal clashes also felt in the wrong places.

Example of organizational parts are at 1:06 (the mini flute buildup) and descent back down.

Overall the song lacks diversity and organization. I will say kudos on the theme of your song. It isn't like the typical hardcore stuff you hear on NG. I suggest you spend a little more time coming up with a composition that is not only original, but also has a lot of emotion in it. This even includes what drums you use. 5/5

Bye for now

Reddz responds:

i really appreciate ur feedback and the time u took to let me know what i should work on for my next peice thank you and i hope u enjoyed! thanks for listening!

[Cloudline WIP]

I'm a fan of happy music so appreciate another another musician who produces this stuff. As for the genre, it doesn't really matter what it is. There are already thousand of songs misplaced on the audio portal and no one really cares anymore.

I like the intro chordal pattern and the mixture of instruments that have just enough reverb and delay. The filter could have been more intricate rather than just frequency changes.

0:30 I like the climax but only for a short time. The reason is that the drums don't sound exciting enough to be in the climatic part. Also, the lead instrument doesn't really change at all till the end of the song. Surely this is a WIP? You definitely have something going on here so you should continue to make it a full song. Add some fx sounds, make the lead instrument sound a bit better or add another instrument on top. Change the drums.

Overall, I thought the best part was the buildup to the climax. There is just something uplifting about a good dose of chill instruments with reverb and delay. That heavenly fell seems to disappear at the climatic part which was a bit disappointing. Still a good attempt at making a happy song. 5/5 and finish this song.

Lockyn responds:

First of all, thanks so much for the detailed review. Appreciate it greatly, you made my day!

Agreed, so many songs that are placed wherever without much thought as to where it should go. Ohwells, it doesn't really matter in my opinion.

This is indeed still a WIP as indicated by the title of the song! ^__^ I have a lot planned for this track, but I just wanted to get a small section of it up on newgrounds for people to hear. Nowhere near finished, don't you fret!

The drums are a bit on the light side I agree; but I feel it fits the song more. I'll definitely try out some different synths, maybe get the drums to sound a bit firmer and heavier. Again, this is just a section of the whole project. It's not the climax x) sorry if it was confusing, I only posted I guess what would be called the chorus?

I definitely agree that the spacey/atmospheric feel drops off after the drums come in. I'll see what I can do to remedy that without overwhelming other instruments or the mix in general.

Thanks so much, and I will get crackin' when the ideas pour in. Cheers!

[Zafrece - Tunnel Dive]

I appreciate that you make changes to your song to make it better. Also the fact that you keep making your music free is good. Money so often takes the fun out of making music.

0-0:31 = I hate to start like this, but your lead instrument is poorly made. The background fx sound a bit messy too. The panning effect is good, but not enough to really bring me into the mood you were trying to go for.

0:31- 1:02 Great transition! However that wind sound is still irritating. Not bad with the echoes of the lead instrument. The buildup sounds rather weak considering it is only the drum roll that indicates it. Perhaps have your instruments also reach a climax to aid the buildup.

1:02-2:03 Not so much of the climatic part. Drum n clap pattern sounds rather empty. Not enough hi hats perhaps.

2:03- 3:18 Good job with the bass pattern. Some notes sound a bit too subby so I can't hear the tone clearly...just a minor issue. Again, the wind fx ruins the moment. 2:48 it starts to feel a little messy. After the buildup I was expecting the real climax, but was disappointed to hear a mellow part. You know its a concern when a listener can't tell when a climax of the song is.

3:18 I'm a fan of piano sounds but I feel like it goes nowhere. I appreciate your attempt to be diverse, but it has to have a purpose.

I'm not going to comment the rest as it loops. Overall, I am impressed with your attempt to make a repetitive genre diverse. I am all for diversity as it does take a lot more effort. Just remember to have a common theme involved in the transition or it just sounds like a remix of a bunch of songs together. Yes, I am guilty of this too but I just want to make you aware about it. Your instruments need a bit of refinement as some sound generic. That wind fx needs to be changed. 5/5 for the effort put in. Keep getting better.

Zafrece responds:

Ya the arp in the start is noticeably poor quality, i had difficulty fitting the song under 15 mb in mp3, So the render out quality had to take a small dive that i hoped people wouldn't notice lol. If you also listen to the lead coming in at 1:33 it sounds the same as the arp. It wasn't really due to the fact of how i made it rather than the fact i couldn't fit what i needed into 15 mb.

Note taken for the climax, i was reading about a few news ways shortly after you posted. i'll try to re-upload with some rising pitch build ups, or sweeping hertz n master or something.

- hi hats, check

I have the bass pretty low through out the song, it hovers from 300 to 30 hertz. i would imagine at times on some speakers or head phones it will sound subby i might have to move it around or boost the higher ranges of it. For the climax, im a huge fan of false build ups, i love taking something to a certain point and droping things off to a more chill section. If there is one thing i may have to just keep would be that. i just feel each song should be different, and if you can tell where it's going before hand that just means it's not original enough.( my personal opinion) However i will try to find some medium between the two in the future.

For the piano i tried to lay something down i thought would have some feeling to it. I suppose it didn't come across as such. I really don't know music theory, i just kinda pick everything out on how i feel at the time. I'm seeing pianos pieces take a little more know how, and i will work on hopefully making them portray a specific feeling rather than having them as i do now.

keeping the theme is a huge problem i have, if there is one thing i have to say is my largest problem is themes. I often place almost entirely new songs in inside other songs and them bring them back to the original. i've pretty much wrangled my control over that with this song.

i will lower the wind=)

Thanks for the feed back, and don't hate to start a review off with a negative comment. I personally am not a fan of reading positive things about songs. When i stop seeing negative comments that means i don't know what others think of specific things with in my songs. In turn that means i cant progress as easily.I appreciate you taking time to review my song in such detail, and i hope you can keep track of my future works and provide the same type of reviews.

[Indigo Deep]

That's nice that you think your music reminds you of a ocean. It reminds me of N64 instruments in mario or bango tooie mixed with the generic saw. Interesting.....

I am going to keep this short because I have been reviewing a bunch of songs today and need to get some stuff done. Simply put, you use a very common saw bass pattern. Not saying its a bad thing, but is so if it accompanies your entire song. There just isn't originality in that. As for your lead instruments, I kinda like the happy vibes they bring. Maybe you could have changed the drums pattern more often?

I know you were just messing around and it shows with the lack of complexity, but at least it is catchy so nice job on that. No surprise but here is your 5/5. Hopefully others can see your song and provide their insight. GL on your future stuff.

JackLiddle responds:

Cheers for your review! :) It's been a while since I've had one as long as this :P quite refreshing. I'd never really thought of mixing up my bassline... I'll remember your advice. Danke!

[Blue tides]

You asked so I give review.

I don't really care what genre you put this song in even if it may not be house. However, I will say your ping pong fx sound is quite a interesting move on your part. Your trance pad is unfortunately not well done. Messy and poorly mastered.

0:33 so much better with that trance pad gone. Nothing impressive with the bass, but I think we got something going with the lead instrument's composition. It may need some work for instrument sound, but kudos on the patterns used.

0:54 Need a revision of that chordal instrument. Too generic.

1: 51 Really? Just a clap layer added? Where is the climax?

2:05 - end: not much to add as it is looping.

Overall, spend more time on your instruments. What I mean by that is to clean up your instruments (better mixing) and make more unique sounding (less generic instruments). There needs to be some kind of climax in your song. I don't notice one. I will say kudos on the interesting composition and staying in key for most of the song. Best of luck in your future songs. 5/5

cactar65 responds:

thank you for the review im not gonna lie i didn't spend a crazy amount of time on this song like i should have. But I liked it enough to post and I really am thankful for the review.

[Acid WIP]

Hi,

Not sure how your song took a score beating so fast, but I will 5/5 so that others can see your song and perhaps give you more comments.

As a WIP, I suggest you take away the crowd fx. Any song that needs a artificial crowd just to fill a song is a problem.

Secondly, your not going to get far with using generic techno syncs and bass pattern. I think you should have submitted your WIP when it was more complete because I can't really say much for a song that plays the same note over and over again.

As a final word of advice, try to be different to stand out. NG is a great place to improve your skills. If you want to impress the kids and young teens, keep doing what your doing, but if you want to get the older teens and adults (I might add they also have the money if you decide to become a paid producer and DJ) you need to play around with your music program a bit more. GL with your future songs.

Atom608 responds:

Thanks for the advice. This is more of just a mixing test and your right about the genric techno synths. I am getting boerd of that my self. Im trying to find a new style, I went from Basshunter style to, Acid. Happy hardcore, and im just trying to find somthing im happy in. And my yotube channel has tons more videos and lots of them are 3 min songs. Thanks for the advice :D

[Hang Loose 2013]

There are a lot of good things about this song so to save time I will only mention of the issues...but still nice job with this.

I'm not sure about your lyrics. Sounds a bit cheesy. Eg. Hang loose if you're still awake? Hang loose if your going for yeah yeah? On the flip side, good job with the vocals. The voice actually doesn't sound like a chipmunk.

1:50 I am not a fan of your instrument choice. Little messy to me. Fortunately it gets better at 2:05.

What happened at the end of the song when the vocals are all gone? Just didn't feel as exciting anymore. You have to admit the clash at the very end of the song is not the best.

Am I the only one who felt the kick sounds were good enough? I use bose headphones so maybe my headphones are faulty.

Overall one of the better songs here and vocals is always a bonus. All the criticism I gave you (which I hope is constructive) are minor details i know you can fix. So if there is any real criticism I have to say is that the song lacks originality aside from the vocals and if you ever intend to go further (as in making money) you need to make yourself unique. However, if not, keep doing what your doing. Nothing wrong with making a unoriginal tune that sounds good. Free site free music. 5/5

keosni391 responds:

The lyrics doesn't make much sense because he was just improvising + he is from Norway. He has some pretty expensive gear so no wonder why it's good quality. Overall i'm not so happy how this turned out, because I never felt I got the sound I was looking for. As with the end the melody doesn't blend much in.

I'm already aware of the issues with this songs, and I also know I can improve myself ^^ I got over 1 million views overall on my youtube channels but I never get critism like this one. So that's why i'm posting here on newgrounds =) Also i'm pretty happy with my upcoming song and think it will beat this one easy :3